From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishdutydu‧ty /ˈdjuːti $ ˈduː-/ ●●●S2W1 noun (plural duties)1something you must do [countable, uncountable]SHOULD/OUGHT TO something that you have to do because it is morally or legally right syn obligationI promise I will do my duty.We feel it is our duty to help her.Local authorities have a duty to keep the streets clean.You have a duty to your husband and to your children.She has a strong sense of moral duty.The unions have failed in their duty to female workers.In the traditional Hindu family, the son is duty-bound to look after his mother.2workJOB/TASK [countable usually plural, uncountable] something you have to do as part of your jobdutiesMartin’s duties included cleaning the cars.She works for her father doing part-time secretarial duties.He will soon be fit enough to carry out his duties (=do his job).He can only do light duties.When Juliet reported for duty (=arrived and said she was ready to start work) she was sent to check on a new patient.A teacher may be fired for neglect of duty (=failing to do their job properly).He did three tours of duty in Vietnam (=three periods working in a foreign country as a soldier, government officer etc).3 →be on/off duty4tax [countable, uncountable]PET a tax you pay on something you buyduty onthe duty on cigarettescustoms duty (=tax paid on goods coming into the country) →death duties, stamp duty5 →do duty as something →double duty, heavy-duty, → jury dutyat jury service, → on active dutyat active serviceCOLLOCATIONS – Meaning 1: something that you have to do because it is morally or legally rightverbshave a duty to do somethingParents have a duty to make sure that their children receive an education.do your dutyI felt I had done my duty by voting.fulfil your duty British English, fulfill your duty American English formal (=do what is needed)The school has failed to fulfil its legal duty towards students.have/owe a duty to somebodyA tenant owes a duty to the landlord to keep the house in reasonable condition.fail in your duty (=not do something that you should do)I would be failing in my duty if I didn't warn you of the dangers.adjectivesa moral dutyShe felt it was her moral duty to treat everyone equally.a legal dutyEmployers have a legal duty to ensure the safety of their workforce.a statutory duty (=required by law)Local authorities have a statutory duty to ensure that parks are clean.a public duty (=relating to the people of a country)The media has a public duty to report the truth.a civic duty (=done because you live in a place)It is your civic duty to vote.phrasesa sense of dutyHe was caring for his parents out of a sense of duty rather than love.be duty-bound to do something formal (=have a duty to do something)Soldiers are here to do a job and are duty-bound to complete it.COLLOCATIONS – Meaning 2: something you have to do as part of your jobverbscarry out your duties (also perform/discharge your duties formal) (=do your job)She has always carried out her duties efficiently.take up your duties (=start doing a new job)Neale has agreed a three-year contract and takes up his duties on March 1.resume your duties (=start doing your job again)She hopes to be well enough to resume her duties next week.report for duty (=arrive and be ready to start work)You must report for duty at 8:30 tomorrow morning.neglect/shirk your duties (=not do your job properly)No soldier can be allowed to neglect his duties.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + duty official dutiesThe new president will take up his official duties next month.presidential/royal/ministerial etc duties (=duties that go with being a president, member of a royal family, a minister etc)The prince is now old enough to carry out royal duties.household/domestic duties (=jobs you have to do around the house)My husband and I share most of the household duties.light duties (=not involving hard physical work)He'd been wounded, sent home and put on light duties.guard duty (=job of guarding a place)There were two soldiers on guard duty outside the embassy.phrasesneglect of duty (=failing to do your job properly)Six police officers were fired for neglect of duty.a tour of duty (=period of working in another country as a soldier, government officer etc)He became a General, and his tours of duty included Korea and Vietnam.beyond the call of duty (=more than you have to do as part of your job)She's a doctor who has gone beyond the call of duty in her care for her patients.in the course of duty (=while doing your job, especially for your country)Stewart received a medal for outstanding bravery in the course of duty.